SPATIUM-1

SPATIUM 1= Space Precision Atomic-clock TIming Utility Mission.

Designation	43? / 98067PQ
Launch date	22 Sep 2018 - 17:52 UT
Launch site	Tanegashima, YLP-2
Launch vehicle	H-2B-304
Mission	Ionospheric research, Technology
Launch platform	ISS Kibo, LEO
Deployment date	06 Oct 2018 - 08:00 UT
Earth orbit:
Perigee / Apogee	403 x 408 km
Inclination	51.6 °
Period	min

Launched together with: HTV-7 - HSRC - STARS-Me - RSP 00

Prime manufacturer	Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech)
Platform	CubeSat 2U
Operator	Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech)
Mass at launch	kg
Dry Mass	kg
Basic shape
Dimension (m)
Equipment
Solar array	Solar cells
Stabilization
Propulsion
DC power
Design lifetime

The project SPATIUM (Space Precision Atomic-clock TIming Utility Mission) presents a new technique for ionosphere mapping using a constellation of CubeSats equipped with Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) to provide real-time three-dimensional mapping of ionosphere plasma density at the altitudes of electron density peak (200 to 400 km above the Earth). This paper describes the principle of the ionosphere mapping and total electron content (TEC) determination using satellite signal transmission with a dual-frequency and signal shift determination at the Ground Station using the same referenced CSAC clock. The paper also describes reasons of RF signal delays/shifting due to atmosphere and ionosphere plasma conditions. A 2U CubeSat, SPATIUM-I, is introduced as a platform. The future plans for the project expansion are also given.

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Ref.: #7, #14 - update: 08.11.18